My Wine Cellar has new owner, new wines, new passion

An Ahwatukee Foothills wine bar known to many as their "Cheers" has changed hands for the second time in a year and a half.

Zoya Vora-Shah took ownership of My Wine Cellar on Oct. 31 from Scott and Irene McMurray, who had purchased it from original owners Tom and Kathleen Fordyce in April 2010.

"That's my passion, talking about wine and teaching people about wine and simplifying it," said Vora-Shah, who worked in wine distribution for 10 years. "That's what I'd like to do here."

The Tempe woman moved to the U.S. from Bombay (now Mumbai), India, in 1991. She worked in the restaurant business for nine years as a hostess, server, bartender, manager and event coordinator before moving into wine sales full time. Her husband, Chetan, helps with bookkeeping at the shop.

Wine tasting and education classes will continue, but Vora-Shah plans to introduce regular wine and craft-beer tastings and winemaker dinners.

Vora-Shah plans to hold off until after the new year for major changes, but customers will see some right away. Clipboards have replaced outdated plastic menu covers. Works by a different local artist every quarter will grace the western wall. This month features an installation by Christine Cassano.

The wine list - which features 30 reds, whites, sparkling and dessert wines - is more varied and less predictable than before, Vora-Shah said.

"People come to a wine bar to find a gem and drink something that will surprise them," Vora-Shah said, adding that she plans to hire knowledgeable staff and train them to help customers with their choices.

Guests can order 3-ounce pours, 6-ounce glasses or bottles of wine. They may mix-and-match six-packs of local and micro-brewed beer. Wine and beer may be bought for take-out, and Vora-Shah soon will offer delivery service in a limited radius of the store, 5030 E. Warner Road, with a minimum purchase.

Shay Spear, previously the sous chef at My Wine Cellar, took over in the kitchen. Full meals as well as lighter fare will remain on the menu, including a "mini cheese plate" with four cheeses, crackers and seasonal house-made jam for $6 at happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Phyllis Shaurette of Tempe was in the new My Wine Cellar recently and noticed it was cleaner and less cluttered. As for advice she would give the new owner, Shaurette said she wants to see wines she can't find elsewhere.

"My first priority would be to have an amazing wine list," she said. "And keep upgrading the cheeses."